Need to replace the starter solenoid

MBEASLEY323

MEMBER

3 POSTS

2012 MINI CLUBMAN

1.4L

4 CYL

2WD

MANUAL

60,000 MILES

My solenoid is bad and on my car, that means a whole new starter. When my far more experienced cousin helped confirm the problem, he found only two mounting bolts. That is all I have located, but I have removed the two we knew of and the starter will not budge. Unfortunately, my cousin does not live nearby. Is there another, secret bolt? Or is it something else?

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Thursday, October 20th, 2016 AT 12:12 PM

5 Replies

HMAC300

EXPERT

49,692 POSTS

Believe it or not we have no information on this just like lubrication etc. I found this picture for a mini cooper, so I imagine yours may be the same. Look where arrows are and on little stud. I did not point out may be a bracket there.

Image (Click to enlarge)

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Thursday, October 20th, 2016 AT 12:43 PM

MBEASLEY323

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Yes, the photo looks familiar! The hole at the top (without arrow) and one like it that the arrow points to on the back are where the mounting bolts were. It is those holes the bottom two arrows point to that I cannot account for. Everything I have read, including the Chilton manual, says remove the mounting bolts and the starter will come right out. Looks like I am going to have to take off the right tire and see what I can undo in order to visualize the back of the starter.

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Thursday, October 20th, 2016 AT 12:54 PM

HMAC300

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We would send more if we had it but unfortunately we have very little on Mini's so the manufacturer has probably not supplied that information.

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Thursday, October 20th, 2016 AT 1:15 PM

MBEASLEY323

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Incredibly, a customer service rep at the Mini dealership got the answer from one of the mechanics (who are none too friendly with someone not ready to fork over money). There is a third bolt (or screw) and it is on top of the transmission. Thanks for replying. I'm sure I'll be back!

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Thursday, October 20th, 2016 AT 1:46 PM

HMAC300

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Nah, mechanics do not care it is the dealership these are mini BMW's so they think people will get suckered into going to them to get it fixed all the time. Thanks for using 2carpros.